Struggling with prescription medications can lead to devastating results. Prescription medication detox is a necessary step to learning how to live life without these dangerous and toxic substances. While prescription medications are effective in treating a variety of illnesses and ailments, many of these substances are often misused and abused.
Prescription medication abuse can result in dependence and addiction to the medications, inevitably resulting in the need to detoxify from them. Hence, some people may be cautious and wonder what to expect during prescription drug detox.
The Prescription Medication Detox Process
Abusing prescription drugs leads to physical and psychological dependence on the drug. When a person develops a dependence on a drug, it can be difficult to stop using it without intervention from professional resources. Prescription medication detox can help someone who is struggling to begin life without the drug.
During detox, an individual will begin the process with a full medical examination and assessment. The assessment will allow for medical professionals to identify health conditions, and co-occurring disorders, and it will also allow for them to get a complete history of drug use. Having this information allows these medical professionals to effectively treat the addiction. The information provided during the assessment also allows them to begin a personalized treatment plan for the individual who is struggling. Using non-addictive prescription medications allows the doctors and nurses to treat withdrawal symptoms, and alleviate some discomfort.
Once the assessment is completed, the physical dependence can be addressed. The symptoms of prescription medication detox will be monitored by medical professionals who can address them to prevent complications. Due to the nature of addiction, mental health can also be affected by the abuse of these drugs. The ability to seek professional help from therapists and other mental health professionals is crucial when beginning a journey to recovery. These professionals will also be available to help with emotional healing.
Medications Used in Prescription Medication Detox
Common medications used in prescription medication detox include medications such as anticonvulsants, suboxone, and methadone. These medications each have a specific purpose when used to help treat and alleviate some of the withdrawal symptoms a person may be experiencing. Anticonvulsants are used to prevent seizures in those going through alcohol withdrawal, or who have a history of seizures.
Clonidine is often used to help reduce sweating, cramps, muscle aches, and anxiety. Buprenorphine, or suboxone, is used to help treat those struggling with opioid abuse. It helps alleviate the symptoms of opioid detox. It also contains a blocker that prevents a person from feeling the effects of opioids.
Prescription Medication Withdrawal Symptoms
The symptoms of withdrawal can vary from person to person. Not everyone experiences the same symptoms at the same level of severity. The symptoms of withdrawal that a person feels can be impacted by a number of factors. These factors include age, overall health, mental health, duration of use and severity of usage.
Some of the prescription medication withdrawal symptoms include:
- Muscle aches and cramps
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Fluctuating blood pressure and heart rate
- Delirium
- Seizures
Most Abused Prescription Drugs
Prescription medications are commonly used to treat pain after surgery or injury, mental health, and basically any ailment or illness a person may be experiencing. However, these medications are often abused. Here are some of the most commonly abused prescription drugs.
Opioids
Opioids are often prescribed when someone is suffering with pain. The pain can be caused by a surgical procedure, an injury, or it could be a chronic pain condition. These medications tend to provide a sense of euphoria and relaxation in users. These feelings are often highly sought after, leading to opioid abuse inevitably resulting in addiction.
Furthermore, opioids such as morphine, Percocet, oxycodone and OxyContin are often prescribed to individuals struggling with pain. The medications often lead to addiction and greater impacts on a person’s life and well-being than they may be aware of.
Benzodiazepines
Benzodiazepines like Xanax are used to treat conditions like insomnia and seizure disorders. These drugs often are abused due to the effects they can produce on an individual. Addiction to benzodiazepines can be dangerous, and withdrawal symptoms should be medically monitored. The symptoms of benzo withdrawal can be dangerous and cause life-altering changes in a person’s life.
Stimulants
Stimulants such as Adderall are used in the treatment and management of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). They produce effects like heightened awareness and attention, lack of need for sleep, and euphoria. These effects are the reason stimulant drugs are so highly abused.
Depressants
Depressants are often used to treat panic and anxiety disorders. They also are used for sleep disorders. Barbiturates such as Ambien and Lunesta are often abused due to their effects. As central nervous system depressants, these medications can affect a person’s motor function, respiratory system, and cognitive function.
Prescription Drug Detox in Tennessee
Struggling with prescription drugs can lead to devastating results. Leading to consequences that can impact a person’s life long term, prescription drug addiction is a dangerous road to be on. If you or a loved one are struggling with prescription medications, there is help available. At Brentwood Springs, we strive to provide a safe and comfortable place for individuals who are struggling to begin a journey to recovery.
Reach out today and begin living a new life.
